Novak Djokovic continues his pursuit of the 100th ATP title of his career after falling short in the Miami Open final against rising star Jakub Mensik. Despite the loss, former US Open champion Andy Roddick believes the Serbian legend still has a strong shot at winning another Grand Slam.
Djokovic showcased an outstanding level of play in Miami, not dropping a single set until the final against Mensik. Speaking on his podcast, Served, Roddick praised Djokovic’s performance and emphasized that the 24-time Grand Slam champion remains a serious contender for major titles.
“Extraordinary. There’s just not a world that anyone is saying Djokovic was disappointing because he didn’t win that final. What? He’s almost 38 years old, didn’t drop a set until the final, and lost two breakers,” Roddick said. “If they played the match again tomorrow, I would bet on Novak on that surface”.
Roddick also noted that court conditions could be a significant factor in Djokovic’s Grand Slam chances, particularly when they favor his game. “He can still win a major, especially when the surface is giving him some love, like it was in Miami. Where the ball is getting through the court, where he doesn’t have to protect the sidelines as much and doesn’t have to play as much defense,” he continued.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia receives his winners trophy from Andy Roddick after defeating Daniil Medvedev in the 2023 US Open final. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Even though Roddick wasn’t certain if Djokovic would win another major, he expressed confidence that the Serbian’s level of play is still good enough to do so. “Is the product he is putting out there good enough to win a major? Yes, it is. Will it happen? I don’t know,” Roddick admitted.
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The American also pointed out that the addition of Andy Murray as Djokovic’s coach could provide extra motivation for the Serbian as he continues his quest for a 25th Grand Slam title.
“He seems happy playing right now. He seems motivated to play right now. He has someone different to report to. Maybe that’s the benefit of the Murray situation,” Roddick noted.
Djokovic remains a top Grand Slam contender
Despite Djokovic approaching his 38th birthday, Roddick still considers him one of the top three favorites to win a Grand Slam this season. “So long as he is in tennis, it’s better to watch. Even a version of him, and I say this gently, where he is ‘only’ the third favorite in every Slam now,” Roddick said. “He’s going to be 38, but are you going to put him outside of the top three to win Wimbledon? No, he’s your third favorite. Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic”.
